A Study of Parents’ Perceptions and Changes in Children’s Education through the Applied Behavior Analysis Training for Parents with Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This study investigates the changes in parents’ perception of ABA education and the changes in their education of children after conducting ABA parent education for parents of children with developmental disabilities. The study participants were six parents with children who have developmental disabilities and had received ABA theoretical education and practical training. They were given in-depth interviews on ABA parent education. The results of the research are as follows. First, the effectiveness of ABA was positively recognized, and the scope of its application was more widely recognized. They were satisfied with the education’s contents, its operation methods, and the education’s results. Second, the parent’s quality of life has improved generally. They looked objectively at the children’s problem behavior and showed positive psychological status as their family relations improved. Third, the parent ’s ability to raise children improved significantly. Parenting skills increased, parenting stress decreased and the participants recognized themselves as competent parents. Fourth, ABA principles and strategies were routinely used for children’s education. Although an average of more than one year has passed since the completion of their education, the contents of the education were well applied and maintained throughout their everyday lives. These results show that ABA training for parents with children with developmental disabilities has a positive effect on the parent’s perception and their children’s education.